Pennisetum

a large grass used as a fodder crop. Can be poisonous if infested with the fungus Claviceps fusiformis, known to cause agalactia in sows. Called also bulrush, Indian, horse or pearl millet.

Pennisetum clandestinum

perennial, creeping grass with hairy leaves and inconspicuous seedheads. Has a rapid summer growth period; suitable for green chop, silage or grazing. May have a low fiber content and cause depression of fat content of milk. A very valuable grass producing an enormous bulk of feed in suitable climates. It can be poisonous, causing abdominal pain, paralysis of tongue and pharynx, and tremor. Probably caused by ingestion of fungi Myrothecium spp. and Phoma herbarum growing on plant debris after period of lush growth or infestation with army caterpillars. Can also cause oxalate and nitrite poisoning. Called also Kikuyu grass.

Pennisetum glaucum

see Pennisetum americanum (above).

Pennisetum polystachyon

P. purpureum. Called also mission grass.

Pennisetum purpureum

its oxalate content is known and is associated with the occurrence of osteodystrophia fibrosa in horses. Called also elephant or Napier grass.

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